RTYC Merlin Rocket Autumn Trophy at Ranelagh Sailing Club

16 boats from 7 clubs turned out on a pretty good November day, a North to North-easterly wind with the odd gust to F3, catching out just the author. This was the last race of the 2010 Thames series which was still up for grabs, Duncan Salmon and David Vines being tied on points.

A long beat with the tide to the mark opposite Crabtree saw David in Elusive leading from Christopher Edwards in Birthday Suit with Stuart Gurney 3rd. At the downwind mark in front of the Club, Duncan was lurking in 4th ahead of Alan Broadbent, Tosh and Mike Stephens. Wind at this mark was quite light and many struggled to get round, coming out into the stream too early and then suffering in the strong adverse tide as the wind dropped.

Lap 2 saw a few changes, the most significant being Duncan’s move from 4th to 2nd so the two main series contenders, were now first & second.

With just one more lap to go, David held a 2 minute lead from Duncan with Stuart Gurney 3rd. On the last lap, the first two held station while Mike Stephens edged ahead of a small pack of 4 boats to snatch 3rd from Martin Hunter, Christopher Edwards and Alan Broadbent. Stuart Gurney dropping to 7th, just ahead of Ken Duffell in Harry.

The Avenger Trophy for Vintage boats, at least 30 years old, was well won by Pooh, sailed by Martin Hunter, in 4th place overall, just ahead of Birthday Suit by 2 seconds on the water, two and a half minutes on corrected time. Prizes were presented by John Stokes, Honorary member of the RTYC.